plebiscite

[ pleb-uh-sahyt, -sit ]

noun

1. a direct vote of the qualified voters of a state in regard to some important public question.
2. the vote by which the people of a political unit determine autonomy or affiliation with another country.

plebiscite

/ pləˈbɪsɪtərɪ; ˈplɛbɪˌsaɪt; -sɪt /

noun

1. a direct vote by the electorate of a state, region, etc, on some question of usually national importance, such as union with another state or acceptance of a government programme
2. any expression or determination of public opinion on some matter

plebiscite

1. A vote of an entire nation or other large political unit on an issue of great importance. A plebiscite is not an election, for there are no candidates. Rather, people vote yes or no on a proposition.

Derived Forms

• plebiscitary, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebiscite¹

1525–35; < French < Latin plēbīscītum decree of the plebs, equivalent to plēbī (for plēbis, plēbēī genitive singular of plēbs, plēbēs plebs ) + scītum resolution, decree, noun use of neuter of scītus, past participle of scīscere to enact, decree, originally, to seek to know, learn, inchoative of scīre to know

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebiscite¹

C16: from Old French plēbiscite, from Latin plēbiscītum decree of the people, from plēbs the populace + scītum, from scīscere to decree, approve, from scīre to know

Example Sentences

It had all the hallmarks of an authoritarian Potemkin plebiscite.

From New York Times

When Ukraine’s Kremlin-friendly president was ousted in 2014 by mass protests that Moscow called a U.S.-instigated coup, Putin responded by sending troops to overrun Crimea and calling a plebiscite on joining Russia, which the West dismissed as illegal.

From Seattle Times

This made it more a plebiscite than an actual election, with posters of Hadi above each ballot box.

From Slate

In April’s parliamentary plebiscite, Mr. Lee’s party will seek to expand its current majority in the National Assembly.

From Washington Times

There was the overwhelming rejection of that text last year in a national plebiscite.

From New York Times

Related Words

• election
• poll
• polling
• referendum
• slate
• tally
• ticket